Vacuum platen for use in a printer

ABSTRACT

A platen 23, 96 having a series of channels 174 which are in fluid communication with a vacuum and a fluid source. The grooves 174 preferably extend through an end of the platen 23 to the atmosphere such that the vacuum has a maximum value. The platen 23, 96 is used in a printer-processor 10 which has a printing unit 11 and a processing unit 12. A light source 18 directs light 64 toward light-sensitive photographic printing material 22 held by the platen 23, 96. A transport system 132 conveys the print material 22 from the platen 23, 96 to the entrance 29 of the processor 12.

This is a continuation-in-part of our prior application Ser. No.07/278,668, filed Dec. 1, 1988 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,826 issued June5, 1990.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to photography and, moreparticularly, to an apparatus which holds light sensitive materialduring exposure utilizing a vacuum.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To make a finished photograph from a negative, the image on the negativeis printed on light-sensitive photographic paper and the exposed paperis processed. To accomplish this, light is passed through the negativeand lenses and onto the printing material. The printing paper is coatedwith a light-sensitive emulsion containing crystals of silver atomscombined with bromine or chlorine atoms or both. With conventionalprocessing procedures, the printing paper is placed in a developer forseveral minutes so that chemical action can convert the crystals thathave been exposed to the light into metallic silver. The printing paperis next typically transferred to a chemical solution called a stop bathto halt the action of the developer, then is put in a fixer, whichremoves undeveloped and unexposed crystals, and finally it is washed anddried. This results in a permanent, positive image, the dark areas ofthe permanent image corresponding to the light areas of the negative,which were generated by the dark areas of the original scene.

Photographic printers and processors are utilized by photofinishers,laboratories, one-hour studios, and other companies in the photographyindustry. Automatic printers typically include supply and take uprollers for the photosensitive photographic material and a mechanism toautomatically advance the material through an exposure area or station.The image to be exposed is established in known manner and projected onthe photographic printing paper in the exposure area, with a shutterbeing employed to control the exposure.

However, conventional printers typically require that the roll ofphotographic printing material be loaded and unloaded from the printerunder darkroom conditions. An operator is needed to manually transferthe exposed sheets or paper roll to the processor, which is oftenlocated in a separate room. In addition, the user must often allow anentire roll of paper to be exposed before the paper can be removed tothe processor. These procedures are time-consuming and inefficient,resulting in slower photofinishing productivity. Although transportsystems which transfer paper from the printer to the processor have beenutilized, these devices typically accommodate only a limited number ofsheets of exposed printing paper, and they provide limited means toautomatically accumulate the printing paper if the processor is inoperation.

Another difficulty with conventional printers is that they are sometimesdesigned to accommodate only a single lens so that the possible printsizes are limited. In printers which enable multiple lenses to be used,changing lenses can be a complicated process. The arrangement forholding the various lenses, such as a lens drawer system, can be quitecomplex and heavy and may require manual operation. Most conventionalprinters and processors also accommodate only a single size roll ofpaper, with only a single paper plane. This also limits the size ofphotographs which can be produced.

During exposure of the image upon the printing paper, it is important tomaintain the printing paper flat and straight against the paper plane inorder to produce a clear and properly positioned image. However,automatic advance of the paper across the paper plane sometimes hindersthis. One conventional solution has been a paper plane or platen havinga series of isolated perforations through which a vacuum is applied. Butthe number of air leaks decreases as more paper covers the platen,resulting in increased pressure on the paper. This effect results in anon-uniform vacuum, and places a substantial burden on the paper advancedrive means.

The present invention addresses these and many other problems associatedwith currently available methods and apparatus relating to photographicprinter-processors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a platen for use in an apparatus for printingand processing photographs, the apparatus comprising: a light sourcewhich directs light toward light-sensitive photographic print material;a platen for supporting the print material in a flat configuration; aprocessor for processing the exposed print material; and means forautomatically transporting the print material from the platen to theentrance of the processor. The transport means includes apre-accumulation conveyor system and a post-accumulation conveyorsystem, between which is a holding area for accumulating the exposedprint material. The accumulation system preferably has a stop rollerassembly which, when stationary, causes the accumulation and, whenrotating, causes transfer of the print material into the processor.

In the preferred embodiment, the printer of the present invention hastwo platens in a parallel relationship so as to accommodate two widthsof print material. The forward platen is movable between a firstposition within the path of the light beam and a second position outsidethe path of the light beam, the second position allowing for the rearplaten to be within the path of the light beam. The platens preferablyhave a planar printing surface with a plurality of longitudinal groovesthrough which a vacuum is applied so as to maintain the print materialflat against the platen.

One advantage of the printer-processor of the present invention is thatit is a single unit which automatically performs all of the photographicprinting and processing functions which are normally performed by aplurality of different machines which require manual monitoring. Theprinter-processor is contained within a single, relatively compacthousing which frees up both time and space for the photographiclaboratory or studio.

The printer-processor is an automatic apparatus, requiring littlemonitoring by the operator. The operator simply enters informationthrough a keyboard, including print size, quantity, exposure data,processing data, etc. Accordingly, the operator need not be a personhaving highly-developed skills in the photography field. Further, only asingle operator is needed to print and process the photographs whenutilizing the present invention.

The printer-processor of the present invention allows the completephotographic printing and processing operation to take place in theabsence of darkroom conditions; that is, the laboratory or studio canprint and process the negatives in normal room light. The printing paperroll can be kept in a light-tight canister and loaded into the printerunder room light conditions. The transport system automatically feedsthe exposed paper from the printer and into the processor. The completeprinting and processing operation occurs without regard to the room'slighting.

While the present invention utilizes multiple paper planes or platens,with each platen accommodating a different width paper only one platenneed be utilized, as those skilled in the art will recognize. By usingtwo platens, however, a wide variety of different image sizes can beprinted.

As noted above, a feature of the improved paper platen design is that avacuum is applied through a series of longitudinal grooves to hold theprinting paper flat against the printing platen's surface. This designallows the vacuum across the platen to be more uniform, providesedge-to-edge print sharpness and reduces the load upon the paper advancesystem.

In the preferred embodiment, the grooves open to a fluid source suchthat as the paper advances across the full longitudinal length of theplaten, the vacuum remains relatively constant. The paper advancemechanism is thereby not unduly loaded. Further, the paper advanceswithout creating stresses which may tend to wrinkle or crease the paper.The plurality of grooves are preferably arranged to create a series ofalternating raised and lowered portions. The ratio of raised portions(i.e., the mean surface of the platen) and lowered portions (i.e., thegrooves) are arranged and configured such that the paper is held in asingle plane to improve sharpness during exposure of the print.

Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a platen for use in a photographic printer, comprising:

(a) a housing having a substantially planar printing surface, saidprinting surface having a plurality of longitudinal grooves in fluidcommunication with a fluid source; and

(b) vacuum means in fluid communication with said grooves wherein avacuum is applied so as to hold printing paper against said platenduring exposure of the paper and wherein the grooves are arranged andconfigured so as to establish a maximum vacuum value. For a betterunderstanding of the invention, and of the advantages obtained its use,reference should be made to the Drawings and accompanying descriptivematter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferredembodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Drawings, which form a part of the instant specification and areto be read therewith, an optimum embodiment of the invention is shown,and, in the various views, like numerals are employed to indicate likeparts:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer-processor of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the operation of the printer-processorillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the negative carrier used with theprinter-processor;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the negative carrier utilized withthe printer-processor;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the negative carrierillustrated in FIGS. 3-4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the aperture disk utilized with thelens carousel of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a lens deck utilized with the lenscarousel illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the lens carousel assembly;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the paper advance mechanismand platens of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view of images produced by the printer-processor of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the lens carousel illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the printer-processor's baffle blades;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one of the platens;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the printer-processor shown in FIG. 1with the printer elevated above the processor;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the accumulation and transport means;

FIG. 16 is a diagramatic view of the paper advance, accumulation andtransport means of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagramatic view of the drive system for the transport andaccumulation means illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the carousel shaft for thelens carousel illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 11; and

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the framework of the printer-processor;

FIG. 20a is a bottom view of the platen of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 20b is a cross sectional view of the platen taken through line20b-20b of FIG. 20a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Drawings, the photographic printer-processor apparatusis illustrated generally at 10 in FIG. 1. An example of platen 23, 96constructed according to the principles of the present invention isillustrated in FIGS. 13 and 20. The principles of the present inventionapply to each of the platens 23, 96. Therefore, reference is made solelyto platen 23 from time to time herein. To facilitate understanding ofthe novel platen 23, however, a detailed discussion of the platen 23will be deferred pending a description of an example of aprinter-processor 10 in which the platen 23 may be utilized.

1. Description of Printer Processor Apparatus 10

The apparatus 10 for printing and processing photographs includes twoprimary components: a printing unit 11 and a processing unit 12. Theprinter 11 exposes the image of the negative onto light-sensitiveemulsion paper 22, and the processor 12 processes the exposed paper toproduce a finished photograph. In the preferred embodiment, theprocessor 12 rests upon the floor, with the printer 11 being above theprocessor 12. A transport system 132 which moves paper from the printer11 to the processor 12 is located proximate the lower end of the printer11. The apparatus 10 has a frame 195 consisting of suitable panels andstructural bracing for the support of the elements of the photographicprinter-processor 10. The printer-processor 10 is generally rectangularin shape, having a top wall 13, a front wall 14, a back wall 15, and twolongitudinal sides 16. The printer-processor 10 is less than six feet inlength and less than six feet tall, so that it does not require a greatdeal of space. The apparatus 10 is a single structure; that is, it doesnot require several independent units spaced from each other. Theprinter-process 10 is relatively compact and requires little manualintervention by the operator.

A control panel 37 governs the operation of the printer 11, and acontrol panel 58 controls the operation of the processor 12. The printer11 has three doors on one of its sides 16, the three doors opening intothree areas or chambers 38, 39, 40. The first chamber 38 houses theprinter's optical system; the second chamber 39 houses the exposurearea; and the third chamber 40 is a holding area capable of receivingany exposed print material which is being maintained in the accumulationsystem before the paper 22 is transferred to the processor 12.

The general operation of the printer-processor 10 is illustrated by thediagramatic view of FIG. 2. The negative 19 is positioned in a negativecarrier 20, and a light beam is directed from a light source 18 throughthe negative 19. The light rays 64 go through a lens system 21 whichprovides the desired enlargement of the image 25 (FIG. 10). The lightrays pass through an opening 33 and onto the photosensitive photographicmaterial or printing paper 22. The printing paper 22 is stored in acontinuous roll on a spool 24, and it is positioned flat against aplaten 23 when the exposure is made.

After the exposure is complete, the paper 22 is automatically advancedto the processor 12 by means of a transport or feed system 132. Thepaper 22 is first advanced downwardly into a pre-accumulation system147. At the appropriate point, the exposed paper 22 is cut by a cutter26. If the processor 12 is not ready to receive the paper 22, it isaccumulated in an accumulator system 148. After accumulation, the paper22 is then fed through a rapid transport system 149 and moved into theentrance 29 of the processor 12. Once in the processor 12, the paper 22moves around a series of rollers 34 and through a series of tanks 30which contain the appropriate processing chemicals. The paper 22 is thenpassed through a drier 212 and exits from point 32 at the rear end 15 ofthe processor 12 as a finished, dry photograph.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lamphouse 17 provides light for theprinting operation and directs the light 64 through the negative 19. Ithas two primary components, an upper housing 100 and a lower mirror box101. The mirror box 101 is pivotably connected to the upper portion 100by means of a hinge 102 and contains the lower mirror 99. Alternatively,the mirror box 101 could be removable from the upper housing 100 bymeans of a transverse sliding arrangement. The mirror box 101 has amirrored inside surface to reflect the light from the light source 18toward the negative 19. When the mirror box 101 of the lamphouse 17 ismoved away from the front wall 14, the negative carrier 20 is exposedfor easy access by the operator.

The lamphouse 17 of the present invention has optical components whichare positioned to allow the lamphouse 17 to be relatively lightweightand compact. The negative 19 is held in place by means of a negativecarrier 20. The light is directed through the negative 19 and isfocussed by a lens 21 to cast an image 25 of the negative on theprinting paper 22.

A light source or means for projecting a light beam 18 is located in theupper housing 100 of the lamphouse 17. Any suitable light source, suchas a high-intensity lamp, may be employed. As illustrated in FIG. 2, thelight source 18 is positioned on the left side of the negative holder20, and the photographic print material 22 is supported on the rightside of the negative holder 20 at a proper distance therefrom. A beam 64from the light source 18 is projected through the negative 19 held bythe negative carrier 20 to the print material 22.

Proximate the light source 18 is a spherical or parabolic reflector 61.The reflector 61 directs light toward a "cold mirror" or coated glass 62which absorbs heat or infrared light from the light beam 64 and directsit into a blower 63 which is located behind the cold mirror 62. The coldmirror 62 reflects the useful light through an opening in the reflector61. An exhaust blower 63 keeps the lamphouse 17 from overheating so thatthe printer-processor 10 can be used continuously. The lamphouse 17 alsopreferably contains suitable diffusion glass 36 which enables the lightto be spread uniformly.

Behind the reflector 61 is a shutter 59 which opens momentarily for apredetermined amount of time to control the exposure, i.e., the amountof light passing through the lens system 21. For color printing, a rangeof color filters 60 are interposed between the light source 18 and thenegative 19 to control the photograph's color balance. The filters 60can be controlled either by manual knobs 35 or by known automatic means.The light passes onto angled mirrors 98, 99, and then toward the rightas viewed in FIG. 2. The light is then directed through the negative 19held within the negative carrier 20.

The negative carrier 20 holds the negative 19 in a flat condition so asto permit the optical passage of the light beam 64 therethrough. Thefront of the negative carrier is illustrated in FIG. 3; the back of thenegative carrier is illustrated in FIG. 4; and an exploded view of thecomponents of the negative carrier is illustrated in FIG. 5. Thenegative carrier 20 is mounted against the front wall 14 of the printer11, behind the lamphouse 17. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the negativecarrier 20 is preferably attached to a mounting plate 106 within thewall 14 by means of a plurality of standoff fasteners 199. The fasteners199 allow for adjustment of the plate 106 and negative carrier 20 forfocussing purposes. The mounting plate 106 has a circular aperture 43 topermit light into the optical chamber 38.

The negative carrier 20 is suitable for use with roll film, card-mountedfilm, or cut film. A different size negative requires a negative carrierhaving a different aperture size 49. If a different size film issubstituted, a different negative carrier 20 as well as a differentcorresponding lens system is utilized. In the preferred embodiment, thenegative carrier 20 is replaced as a unit when the photofinisher changesthe negative size. When roll film is utilized, the roll of film (notshown) is moved between a first spool 41 and a second spool 42. Thespools 41, 42 have release adjustment screws 43. The film spools 41, 42are mounted to the negative carrier 20 by means of a pair of lowersupport flanges 52 and fasteners 53.

The negative carrier 20 consists of two flat plates which hold thenegative 19. The front plate or negative hold-down plate 47 (i.e.,toward the left side as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 5) and the second, backplate 48 of the negative carrier 20 are in a parallel and abuttingrelationship. The plates 47, 48 preferably have a central, rectangularaperture 49 which is aligned with the central portion of the aperture 43in the mounting plate 106. The negative (not shown) is positionedbetween the two plate apertures 49 to allow the light to be directedtherethrough.

Suitable releasable fasteners interconnect the plates 47, 48. In thepreferred embodiment, a sliding bracket 51 interconnects the upper endof the plates 47, 48. In its locked position, the bracket or catch 51holds the plates 47, 48 in a juxtaposed, abutting relationship againsteach other. When the bracket 51 is in its disengaged, unlocked position,the front plate 47 can be rotated away from the back plate 48. In thepreferred embodiment, the lower end 196 of the front plate 47 is angledsomewhat outwardly from the flat portion of the plate 47 surrounding theaperture 49. A pair of knobs 197 interconnect the lower end of theplates and allow the plates to be separable when desired. In thismanner, the fasteners provide a means for separating at least a portionof the plates 47, 48 from one another to allow for insertion, removaland advancement of the film. The manual separation of the plates 47, 48allows the operator to adjust the position of the negative 19 within thecarrier 20. Alternatively, known mechanical means can be employed toallow the plates 47, 48 of the negative carrier 20 to be separatedwithout requiring the operator to do so manually.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, some image sizes require a verticalorientation of the negative 19, whereas other sizes require a horizontalorientation in order to utilize the printing paper 22 in an efficientmanner. The negative carrier 20 includes rotation means for moving theentire negative carrier with respect to the plate 106 on the printerwall 14 in a rotary manner between angular positions at least at rightangles to one another. This is accomplished by a plurality of rollers44, 45, 46 which are mounted on the back plate 48 and which fit withinthe aperture 43 to interconnect the negative carrier 20 to the frontmounting plate 106 of the printer 11. The rollers 44, 45, 46 preferablyhave edges with a V-shaped configuration, which correspond to acorresponding V-shaped edge of the aperture 43. In the preferredembodiment, the position of two of the rollers 44, 46 are fixed withrespect to the plate 48. The rollers 44, 46 are cam adjustable in thepreferred embodiment to assure that the aperture 49 is aligned with thecenter of rotation regardless of its rotary position. The third roller45 is spring-loaded or biased by being interconnected to an arm 54 andspring 55 which are attached on the opposite end to a fixed roller orother fixed point on the back plate 48. Thus, the negative carrier 20 ispositioned within the circular aperture 43 by lining up thespring-loaded roller 45 against the edge of the aperture 43 and thenmoving the fixed rollers 44, 46 into the aperture 43. In this manner,the negative carrier 20 is easily rotatable within the aperture 43.Also, the entire negative carrier 20, including both interlocked plates47, 48 may be removed from the printer wall 14 as a unit, whilepreserving the interlocked relationship of the plates 47, 48.

The negative carrier 20 also includes holding means for maintaining theappropriate angular position of the negative carrier 20 and negative 19.The negative carrier 20 has two stop members 180, 181 on the back plate48, one of which abuts a stationery screw 182 on the mounting plate 106when the negative 19 is in either the vertical or horizontalorientation. To maintain the desired orientation, the spring-loadedroller 45 aligns and fits within one of two detents 183, 184 which areformed within the circular aperture 43. Whereas the illustrated negativecarrier assembly provides for two positions of angular rotation whichare ninety degrees apart, it is also possible to orient the negative 19in other angular orientations according to the present invention.

A sensing mechanism in the preferred embodiment verifies that thenegative 19 is in the correct orientation. Preferably, the sensing meanscomprises a movable magnet 185 attached to the back rotatable plate 48and a pair of stationary electrical sensors 186, 187 on the mountingplate 106 which are actuated by the magnet 185. The control systemsenses the orientation of the negative carrier 20 and tells the operatorwhether the negative carrier 20 is in proper position or whether itshould be rotated, depending upon the size of the image 25 beingprinted.

The negative carrier assembly 20 also preferably includes means forcropping a negative 19. The machine automatically crops the size of theaperture 49 according to the proportions of the image 25 desired andlens utilized. The negative carrier 20 has two cropping blades 188 whichare mounted in parallel relationship to each other at the ends ofpivotable spacer arms 189. The spacer arms 189 are substantiallyparallel to each other and mounted for pivotal action at the points 198.Accordingly, the cropping blades 188 and spacer arms 189 form arectangle when in the open, deactivated condition; and move in aparallelogram relationship when in the cropped position illustrated inFIGS. 3, 4 and 5. Preferably, biasing means 57 hold the blades 188, 189in the cropped position, unless they are activated by the cropping powermeans. If desired, a similar cropping assembly may be employed on allfour sides of the image.

The cropping blades of the negative carrier 20 are activated by suitablepower means such as a solenoid 190. The solenoid 190 is interconnectedto a pair of rotatable paddles 191, 192 which are in a disengageablerelationship to the primary control arm 193 of the cropping blades 188.The paddles 191, 192 correspond with the horizontal and vertical angularpositions of the negative carrier 20. The movement of these componentsis illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 3.

As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5, the cropping blade assembly ispositioned between the plates 47, 48. In the preferred embodiment, thecropping blades are mounted upon a rectangular plate 211 having acentral aperture. The plate 211 is attached to the back plate 48 bymeans of adhesive. The paddles 191, 192 are mounted upon the front wall14 of the printer proximate the edges of the mounting plate or triangle106. When the paddles 191, 192 rotate in a clockwise direction, one ofthe paddles pushes against the control arm 193 of the cropping bladeassembly, thereby moving the cropping blades 188 from a cropped positionto an uncropped position. The solenoid 190 is interconnected to arms 73of the paddles 191, 192 by suitable linkages 75. The solenoid 190 andlinkages 75 move as shown by the arrows of FIG. 3, thereby causingrotation of the paddles 191, 192 about the pivot points 79.

Between the negative carrier 20 and the print material supporting means23 is located an optical chamber 38 which contains and supports the lenssystem 21. The lens system 21 bends and focuses the light rays 64passing through the negative 19 to form an enlarged image 25. The lens'focal length and the distance between the lens 21 and the image 25determine the enlargement size.

The optical system 21 preferably comprises a lens carousel 63, an endview of which is illustrated in FIG. 8 (as viewed from the front end ofthe printer-processor 10) and a plan view of which is illustrated inFIG. 11. The lens carousel 63 contains a plurality of wedge-shaped lensdecks 65 which are mounted upon a central, rotatable carousel axis 36.FIG. 7 illustrates a single, exemplary lens deck 65. The lens decks 65are rotatable between a position in the optical path and a positionoutside the optical path of the light beam. The lens decks 65 are spacedfrom one other in the general longitudinal direction of the printer'soptical path. Each lens deck 65 contains one or more lenses 66 of anappropriate focal length. The lens carousel 63 rotates automatically toline up the appropriate lens 66 with the negative 19 according to thesize of image 25 desired. The two ends of the shaft 36 are mountedwithin suitable bearings which allow for rotation of the shaft 36 andfor convenient removal of the lens carousel 63 when a different lenscarousel 63, having a different set of lenses 66, is replaced into theprinter-processor chamber 38.

As shown by the end view of FIG. 8, the lens decks 65 are positioned ina parallel, staggered relationship so as to cover a generally circulararea. The lens deck 65 corresponding to the largest enlargement isfarthest from the printing paper 22, and the smallest image lenses areclosest to the paper 22, with the three intervening sized lens deckscorresponding to the intermediate enlargement sizes.

An individual exemplary lens deck 65 is illustrated in FIG. 7. The innerportion of each lens deck 65 has an aperture 87 which accommodates theaxis 36. In the preferred embodiment, the aperture 87 has a keyholeshape which corresponds to the keyhole shape of the axis 36. This designprevents undesirable movement and shifting of the lens decks 65 withrespect to the axis 36. Mounted upon each lens deck 65 is at least onelens 66. The lens decks 65 containing multiple lenses are capable ofprinting multiple images 25 upon the paper 22 in a single exposure. Thevarious lens decks 65 have lenses 66 of varying focal length, and eachlens type corresponds to a different sized image 25. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the lenses 66 are, in the preferred embodiment, mounted onto aflat, rectangular plate 67. The plate 67 is then mounted into acorresponding aperture on the lens deck 65. The plate 67 is attached tothe lens deck 65 by means of a plurality of suitable fasteners 68. Inthis manner, the position of the lenses 66 is adjustable.

Each lens deck 65 is spaced along the axis 36 at a suitable distancebetween the negative 19 and the printing surface or paper 22, dependingupon the desired enlargement and the characteristics of the lens 66. Inthe preferred embodiment, the axis 36 is threaded so that the positionof the lens deck 65 is easily adjustable for focusing purposes. Thisinitial focusing operation of the lens carousel 63 should not requirefrequent subsequent adjustment by the user.

In the preferred embodiment, there are a total of five lens decks 65,with one of the decks 70 being a "dual" lens deck and having two lenses66 of different focal lengths. However, the number of lens decks 65could be greater or fewer than the number illustrated. The "front"(i.e., toward the left as viewed in FIG. 2 and toward the top as viewedin FIG. 11) or dual lens deck 70 has two lenses 71, 72. In the preferredembodiment, as explained below, the printer-processor 10 contains twodifferent paper widths, with two preferred paper sizes being an eleven(11) inch width and a sixteen (16) inch width. The lens 71 correspondsto the largest print size available on the largest size paper, e.g., a16×20 inch print. The lens 72 corresponds to the largest print availableon the other paper size, e.g., an 11×14 inch print.

Behind the lens deck 70 is the lens deck 73 which contains a single lens74 suitable for producing an 8×10 inch print. The next lens deck 75contains two lenses 76 which each print the 5×7 inch size. The fourthlens deck 77 contains two lenses 78 suitable for forming 31/2×5 inchimages. The fifth lens deck 79 contains four lenses 80 which are capableof producing wallet size images, i.e., 21/2×31/2 inches. In thepreferred embodiment, the printer-processor is capable of producing thefollowing size prints as illustrated in FIG. 10: 21/2×31/2 inches(wallet size); 31/2×5'5 inches ; 5×7 inches; 8 ×10 inches; 11×14 inchesand 16×20 inches. Besides being able to print large sizes, multiplenumbers of the smaller sizes can be printed in a single exposure: up tofour wallet size, up to two 31/2×5, and up to two 5×7's. In thepreferred embodiment, the largest magnification range for the printer 10is from 35 millimeter film to a 16×20 inch print. The smallestmagnification is from a 70 millimeter negative to a wallet size print.

Permanently mounted to the front end of the axis 36 is an aperture disk50, illustrated in FIG. 6. The aperture disk 50 blocks excess light fromreaching the printing paper 22. The aperture disk or baffle disk 50 hasa plurality of rectangular apertures 56. As the axis 36 is rotated so asto line up the appropriate lens deck 65 with the negative 19, theaperture disk 50 also rotates to line up the appropriate aperture 56with the negative. The different size apertures 56 correspond todifferent image magnifications. The size of each aperture 56 correspondsto the image size passing through that point of the optical chamber 38.

In the preferred embodiment, the aperture disk 50 is flat and circular,containing six apertures 56 which correspond to the six sets of lenseson the lens decks 65. The apertures correspond to the following imagesizes: aperture 81 corresponds to 16×20 inches; aperture 82 correspondsto 8×10 inches; aperture 83 corresponds to 31/2×5 inches; aperture 84corresponds to wallet size; aperture 85 corresponds to 5×7 inches; andaperture 86 corresponds to 11×14 inches.

A lens position sensing system monitors and controls the rotation andposition of the lens carousel 63. In the preferred embodiment, asillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 11, there is a magnet 88 on the outer end ofeach lens deck 65. There is a longitudinal support bar 200 in theoptical chamber 38 parallel to the axis 36 upon which a series ofsensors 89 are mounted. There is one sensor 89 corresponding to theposition of each lens deck 65. When the lens deck 65 is placed inposition so as to be within the optical path, the magnet 88 on the lensdeck actuates the corresponding electrical sensor 89.

The lens carousel 21 also includes means for maintaining the lens deck65 stationary and in proper position. As illustrated in FIG. 7, thecentral portion of the outer end of the lens deck has a plate 201containing a notch 202. A longitudinal carousel lock bar 210 serves as astop for the lens deck 65 when the carousel lock bar 210 engages withthe notch 202. The carousel lock bar 210 is mounted upon a rotatableassembly 203. When the lens carousel assembly 21 is rotating, thecontrol assembly 203 moves the carousel lock bar 210 toward the right asviewed in FIG. 7 so as to disengage from the notch 202 and allowmovement of the lens deck carousel 63. The carousel lock bar 210 returnsto its engaged position when the next appropriate lens deck 65 is in aposition so as to be within the optical path of the printer 11.

A suitable motor 204, such as a brake gear motor, operates through gears205 to cause rotation of the carousel shaft 36. One of the gears 205 hasa central aperture 216 which accommodates one end of the carousel shaft36. The power of the motor 204 ceases when the lens carousel 63 is inthe proper position, so as to immediately stop rotation of the gears 205and carousel shaft 36. The proper position of the lens carousel 63 isindicated when a particular magnet on a lens deck 65 activates itscorresponding sensor. At that point, the lock bar 210 engages with theproper lens deck notch 202; in the preferred embodiment, a solenoid (notshown) moves the lock bar 210 in place. However, the notch 202 need notbe precisely aligned with the lock bar 210 in order to properly positionthe lens deck 65. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the gear 205 has a radialgroove 215 therein. There is a drive pin 214 inserted by a press fitthrough the end of the carousel shaft 36, the groove 215 accommodatingthe drive pin 214. When the lock bar 210 and notch 202 are not preciselyaligned, the slack provided by the groove 215 allows slight movement ofthe carousel shaft so as to allow the lock bar 210 to engage with thenotch 202 and force the lens deck 65 to become properly self-aligned.

In operation of the optics system, the operator inputs a code for theprint size desired, which sends an electrical signal to cause rotationof the lens carousel 63 to automatically line up the appropriate lensdeck 65 with the negative 19. Alternatively, if a package or multipleimages of different sizes are required, the operator can input a codefor the desired package and suitable software can activate the carousel63 to automatically position the appropriate lenses 66 for multiple,sequential exposures of the desired size and quantity.

FIGS. 2, 9 and 16 illustrate the movement of the light-sensitiveprinting paper 22 from its storage roll 24 to the transport system 132,and the means by which the printing paper 22 is supported when the timedexposure is made. The printer-processor 10 preferably contains two rollsof printing material, each front and rear roll 24 of printing material22 having a corresponding front and rear platen 23, 96 against which thepaper 22 is positioned during the exposure. The platens 23, 96 aremounted within the printer 11 by means of suitable support members 175.The paper 22 passes beneath a guide plate 31 (FIG. 9) which extendsacross the upper portion of each platen 23, 96. In the preferredembodiment, the platens 23, 96 hold the paper 22 in a vertical positionto receive the light from the lens system 21. Each platen 23, 96 has twoparallel guides or raised edges 176 to guide the printing paper 22downwardly, with the space between the guides 176 depending upon thewidth of the print material 22. The platens 23 and 96 will be describedfurther below.

In FIG. 2, a single paper roll 24 and paper platen 23 are illustratedfor purposes of simplicity. However, FIGS. 9 and 16 illustrate thepreferred embodiment, in which two rolls of paper 24 and paper platens23, 96 are utilized. Preferably, the front roll of paper is ten (10) oreleven (11) inches in width, and the back roll of paper is sixteen (16)or twenty (20) inches in width. Each platen can accommodate slightlydifferent paper widths by adjustment of the paper guides 176. With thesepaper sizes, several different photograph sizes can be printed. Asillustrated in FIG. 10, the eleven (11) inch paper roll 27 canaccommodate print sizes including 11×14 inches; 8×10 inches; 5×7 inches;31/2×5 inches; and 21/2×31/2 inches (wallet size). The sixteen (16) inchwidth paper 28 is suitable for a large enlargement such as a 16×20 inchsize.

The distance between the negative 19 and forward platen 23 isapproximately thirty-two (32) inches, and is approximately forty-three(43) inches from the back platen 96. The front platen 23 is positionedwithin the central chamber 39, whereas the back platen 23 is positionedproximate the front end of the rear chamber 40 in the preferredembodiment.

A suitable drive system is provided to transport the paper 22 from thestorage spool 24 across the platen 23 and into the transport system 132.In the preferred embodiment, the paper 22 moves from the spool 24between one or more pressure rollers 92 and a drive roller 93, asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9. The pressure rollers 92 are releasablefrom the drive roller 93 by means of a lever 95 so as to allow the paperto be threaded or adjusted between the rollers 92, 93. The pressurerollers 92 are then returned to their original position so as to gripthe paper against the drive roller 93. After the exposure, the paper 22is pushed downwardly by the drive roller 93 in order to be cut,transported to the processor, and processed.

To provide power to the drive rollers 93, a stepper motor isinterconnected to each drive roller 93 by known means. As illustrated inFIG. 17, the stepper motor 157 drives the paper 22 from the front paperroll, and the stepper motor 58 drives the paper 22 from the rear paperroll. The stepper motor 157, 58, upon receipt of electrical signals,controls the amount of paper advance length depending upon the size ofthe image 25. Thus, the drive roller 93, powered by the stepper motor,acts as a metering device for the printing material 22. Each driveroller 93 has a one-way clutch mechanism which permits rotation of thedrive roller 93 only in the counterclockwise direction, as illustratedby the arrows in FIG. 17. Because of the use of one-way clutches, therotation of the drive roller 93 of the front platen 23 does not affectthe drive of the rear platen 96 or vice versa. In the preferredembodiment, the paper drive means are located on only one end of theplaten, rather than having drive means on both ends.

The support structure 175 for the front platen 23 includes means forrotating the front platen 23 to an upward position so that the rearplaten 96 and the relatively wide printing material 22 is in the opticalpath. The front platen 23 can be raised by any suitable conventionalmeans, such as a hand crank or lever, or other suitable mechanicalmeans. Otherwise, the front platen 23 is maintained in a verticalposition within the optical path of the light beams. In FIG. 9, thefront platen 23 is in its raised position. When the front platen 23 isin its raised position outside the optical path, a trip mechanism (notshown) on the front platen 95 mechanically activates a switch on thewall 69 between the first 38 and second chambers 39 to signal to thecontrol system which platen 23 or 96 is in position, and therefore whichpaper drive motor 157, 58 to activate.

In the preferred embodiment, the printer-processor 10 has an opening 33proximate the optics system 21 capable of blocking out excess light.When the aperture 33 is completely opened, the light is directed througha rectangular opening 111. The opening 33 as illustrated is located inthe wall 69 between the chambers 38, 39. However, the aperture 33 couldalso be located on the opposite side of the lens system 21, i.e.,proximate the front wall 14 and to the left of the lens system 21 asviewed in FIG. 2. If the latter position of the opening 33 wereutilized, then there would be an aperture in the wall 69 to permit thelight rays 64 to pass from the lens system 21 and onto the printingmaterial 22. In the preferred embodiment, such an opening in the wall 69has a movable light shield (not shown) which completely covers theaperture in the wall 69 when light is permitted to enter the opticalchamber 38, e.g., when a different lens carousel 63 is substitutedwithin the optical chamber 38.

Proximate the opening 33 are three shutter blades, as shown in FIG. 12,including an upper baffle blade 108 and a lower baffle blade 109 whichmove vertically as shown by arrows 112 in FIG. 12. A third, transversesplitting baffle blade 110 moves horizontally as shown by the arrows113. The variable baffle blades 108, 109 automatically mask off anyunwanted prints, thereby saving emulsion paper 22. With the nextexposure, the masking blades 108, 109 are repositioned in order toexpose the unused paper. The splitting baffle blade 110 masks a portionof the aperture 33 so as to restrict the number of images which reachthe printing paper 22. The baffle blade movement is guided by verticaland horizontal rails 120, 121. The completely opened aperture 111, asillustrated in FIG. 12, corresponds to the largest size picture, 16×20in the preferred embodiment, magnified from a 35 millimeter negative.

In its open, or "home" position, the upper baffle blade 108 is in theupper position illustrated in FIG. 12, and the lower baffle blade 109 isin a lower position. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided tosense the positions of each of the blades 108, 109. The positions aresensed by the electrical sensors 123 which are proximate magnets 122 onthe blades when the aperture 33 is closed. The sensors 123 are mountedto be stationary, and are preferably positioned upon the rails 120.

The operator enters a code or "split number" into the control system tocorrespond to the desired size and configuration of the opening 33. Thelight source 18 is activated and the lamphouse shutter 59 opens. Thelamphouse shutter 59 closes when the pre-set exposure time expires. Thesensor system indicates when the baffle blades 108, 109, 110 havereturned to the home position and releases an electrical signal. Whenthe exposure is complete and the paper 22 is advanced, the machine 10 isready to print again.

The size of the opening 111 depends upon the number and size of theprints 25. An increased enlargement requires an increased opening and,of course, multiple images require a greater opening than a singleimage. For a single, intermediate size, both blades 108, 109 move fromthe home position, so that there is a central aperture 111 through whichthe image is projected. The lower edge 115 of the baffle blade 108blocks above the top image line, and the upper edge 114 of the blade 109blocks below the bottom image line. The amount of the movement of thebaffle blades 108, 109 is preferably controlled by stepper motors 116,117 interconnected to the blades 108, 109 respectively by a cable andpulley system 118. Each motor 116, 117 is also interconnected in thepreferred embodiment to a cable tensioner arrangement 124, 125respectively which controls movement of the cropping blades 108, 109.

The splitting baffle blade 110 is utilized to split a set of two or fourimages in half, and to cut off excess light from the vertical edges ofthe image. The baffle blade 110 has a rectangular aperture 119 therein.Movement of the splitting baffle blade 110 is preferably powered by acam motor (not shown). The cam motor is linked to the transverse baffleblade 110 by means of a cam and control arms 127, 128. The transverseshutter 110 also has a position sensing means; in the preferredembodiment, a magnet 130 on the cam 129 activates one of a plurality ofspaced sensors 131.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate the transport and accumulation system 132which automatically moves the exposed printing material 22 from one ofthe printer platens 23, 96 and into the processor 12. The transportsystem 132 has three major components, described below: thepre-accumulation area 147, the accumulation system 148, and thepost-accumulation system 149. The transport system 132 is locateddirectly below the bottom end of the platens 23 and above the processor12. The dashed line of FIG. 16 represents the line of paper travelthrough the accumulation and transport system 132. Only paper 22 fromone platen can proceed through the pre-accumulation system 147 at onetime; therefore, for simplicity in the Drawings, only the paper pathfrom the front platen 23 is illustrated, although the paper path fromthe rear platen 96 is the same.

In the preferred embodiment, the paper 22 enters the transport system132 and is moved by the pre-accumulation conveyor 147 toward the backend 134 of the transport system 132, where it may be accumulated by theaccumulation means 148. The printing material 22 is then transportedtoward the front end of the transport system 132 for entrance into theprocessor 12 by the lower post-accumulation conveyor 149.

Suitable support means are used to removably mount the transport system132 in the printer 11. In the preferred embodiment, the back end 134 ofthe transport system 132 has hook members 135 which receive a transversebar 136 (shown in FIG. 14) in the printer 11. This hook and bararrangement attaches one end of the transport system 132 to the bottomof the printer 11. In the preferred embodiment, the front end 133 of thetransport system 132 has pins 137 which attach to corresponding openings(not shown) in the printer 11. With this type of attachment arrangement,the transport system 132 is removable for inspections, repairs and thelike.

The transport system 132 includes a chassis or support walls 138 whichfit within the side walls 16 of the printer 11. The chassis 138 isgenerally rectangular in shape to correspond with the shape of theprinter 11, having a front end 133 and a back end 134. Two cutters 139,140 having blades which extend transversely across the transport systemchassis 138 are provided to cut the printing material 22. Proximate eachblade is a transverse opening 146 through which the print material 22passes to enter the transport system 132. The cutters 139, 140correspond to and are located beneath the front and back platens 23, 96respectively. The cutters 139, 140 have suitable support brackets whichattach the cutters 139, 140 within the support structure of the printer11. Although the cutters 139, 140 are shown mounted upon the transportsystem chassis 138 in FIG. 10, the cutters 139, 140 are, in thepreferred embodiment, permanently mounted to the main printer body abovethe transport system chassis 138.

The control system and stepper motor 157, 58 automatically advance theprinting material 22 to the appropriate cut point. The cutters 139, 140can be either automatic or manual. If manual, the cutter blades 145 arepreferably connected to a pull rod 141 at the end of which is a handle142 (see FIG. 1) at the front of the machine 10. The operator simplypulls the handle 142 to move one of the cutter blades 145 proximate theother, fixed cutter blade 145 to shear the paper 22 when it has beenadvanced to the cutting point. Approximately five (5) feet of paper willfill the transport system 132, and preferably the printer-processor 10indicates to the operator when this amount of paper 22 has been printed,so that a cut can be made. Alternatively, the operator can cut the paper22 at any point desired.

The pre-accumulation conveyor means 147 feeds the printing material 22from the cutter (preferably located at the central area of theprinter-processor 10) to the back end 134 of the transport system 132.In the preferred embodiment, the pre-accumulation conveyor meansincludes a downwardly-sloping conveyor belt 150 and an upwardly slopingconveyor belt 151, as illustrated in FIG. 16. Preferably, the conveyors150, 151 are a plurality of continuous parallel belts 143 made of roundplastic or rubber. The printing paper 22 is carried on top of theconveyor belts 150, 151. In the preferred embodiment, guide plates 144are positioned upon each of the conveyor belts 150, 151 to hold theprinting material 22 against the conveyor belts 150, 151 to facilitatetheir movement. The guide plates 144 are preferably made of texturedstainless steel. The conveyor belts 150, 151 move the paper 22 to theright as viewed in FIGS. 15 and 16.

The accumulation means 148 is located proximate the back end 134 of thetransport system 132. The accumulation system 148 serves to store anyaccumulated print material 22 until it is ready for entrance into theprocessor 12. The accumulation of the paper 22 occurs automatically anddoes not require intervention by the user. In addition, the accumulationsystem 148 provides a first-in, first-out system wherein the printingmaterial 22 is transported into the processor 12 in the proper order.

The accumulation system 148 has stop means or a stop roller assembly forstopping the forward end of the print material 22 to initiateaccumulation. The stop roller assembly includes a pair of guide rollers:an upper friction roller 152 and a lower roller 153. The rollers 152,153 extend transversely across the width of the chassis 138 and aremounted in suitable bearings. The upper friction roller 152 ispreferably a series of foam rollers which act as a friction stop. Theupper roller 152 preferably has a transverse gate 154 which the paper 22passes under before proceeding to the rapid transport system 149. Theaccumulated paper 90 causes the gate 154 to rotate upward as paperaccumulates in the accumulation system 148. When the accumulationoccurs, the forward edge of the paper 22 is stopped between the rollers152, 153 and held down by the gate 154. The accumulated paper 90 loopsupwardly so as to be stored within the holding area or rear chamber 40of the printer 11, as shown in FIG. 16. The holding area 40 is capableof accommodating several feet of accumulated paper 90, if necessary.

The post-accumulation transport means 149 moves the paper 22 from theaccumulation area 40 into the processor 12. The paper 22 enters thelower transport section 149 of the transport system 132 which is locatedat the lower end of the chassis 138 and preferably extends throughoutthe length of the chassis 138. Post-accumulation conveyor meanstransports the printing material 22 from the stop roller assembly 152and to the processor entrance 29, i.e., from the right to the left asviewed in FIGS. 15 and 16. In the preferred embodiment, thepost-accumulation conveyor means 149 consists of a series of parallelconveyor belts 155 having a series of guide rollers. The paper 22 iscarried below the conveyor belts 155, as illustrated in FIG. 16, andsuitable guide plates (not shown) hold the paper 22 against the conveyorbelts 155. A roller 164 and suitable conveyor belts proximate the frontend 133 of the rapid transport system 149 direct the paper 22 into aturnaround curve and into the processor entrance 29.

The drive system 162 for the paper advance and transport apparatus 132is illustrated in FIG. 17. The pre-accumulation drive means 147 iscapable of operating at two different speeds: a "rapid transport" mode;and a slower, normal mode. In the latter mode, the drive belts 150, 151in the pre-accumulation drive are powered by the paper drive motors 157,58, via the drive rollers 93, which advance the printing material 22downwardly across the platen 23, 96 respectively and through thepre-accumulation area 147. In this manner there is no bunching of theprinting material 22 in the pre-accumulation area 147; when paper 22 isadvanced across the platen, it is also advanced through thepre-accumulation area 147. The drive rollers 157, 58 have one-wayclutches so that when one paper drive roller is driven, the otherremains stationary. In this manner, the drive systems for the twoplatens 23, 96 operate independently.

The stepper motors 157, 58 are interconnected to the paper drive chain159 to provide means for driving the pre-accumulation conveyor system147. The paper drive chain 159 passes around two idler sprockets 160having a pre-accumulation sprocket 161 therebetween. Rotation of thepre-accumulation sprocket 161 causes movement of the pre-accumulationconveyor belts 150, 151. The conveyor belts 150, 151 are drivensimultaneously via a central roller 169. The sprocket 161 has a one-wayclutch mechanism allowing rotation only in the clockwise direction, asshown by the arrow in FIG. 17. There are a plurality of driven guiderollers for the conveyor belts 150, 151, including a roller 165 having aone-way clutch mechanism. The paper drive chain 159 is stationary duringoperation of the rapid transport system 149, described below. Thestepper motors 157, 58 therefore are capable of driving both the paperadvance across the platens and the paper advance through thepre-accumulation area 147.

The post-accumulation transport system 149 is also capable of operatingat two different speeds. The first, "rapid transport" mode quickly movesthe paper 22 into the processor 12 when the processor 12 is not alreadyoccupied with print material 22. The second, slower mode moves the paper22 through the lower part of the transport system 132 at the same speedas the paper 22 is advanced through the processor 12. Accordingly, thelower conveyor means 155 is driven by one of two post-accumulation drivemeans. The conveyor belts 155 are driven continuously by the processordrive means 167 when the rapid transport drive means is inactive, sothat paper 22 is advanced through the lower transport area 149 at thesame speed as the paper is transported through the processor 12. Theprocessor motor 167 causes rotation of the processor drive chain 166 inthe counterclockwise direction, as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 17.The roller 164 which drives the conveyor means 155 is geared to theprocessor drive means 167, so that activation of the processor 12 causesclockwise movement of the roller 164 and movement of thepost-accumulation conveyor 155. The processor motor 167 continuouslypowers the lower transport system 149 unless the rapid paper transportmotor 206 is in operation. When the rapid transport motor 206 isactivated, it overrides the processor drive system so as to rapidlytransport the accumulated paper 90 into the processor 12.

The rapid transport drive means or motor 206 is mounted onto thetransport system chassis 138 and has a gear which rotates clockwise todrive the rapid transport drive chain 163 which links the motor 206 tothe drive roller 164. Interconnected to the rapid transport drive chain163 at its right end is the stop roller 153 of the accumulation system148. When the rapid transport drive chain 163 does not rotate, the lowerstop roller 153 is stationery, thereby causing accumulation of paper inthe holding area or chamber 40, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 16. Thereis a central roller 165 having a one-way clutch which permits rotationonly in the counterclockwise direction. This roller 165 isinterconnected to the rapid transport drive chain 163, so that the chain163 may travel only in a clockwise direction. Because of the one-wayclutch of the roller 165, the motor 206 can override the stepper motors157, 58.

The invention also includes means by which the rapid transport means 149is activated and deactivated. In the preferred embodiment, the blademovement which occurs when the paper 22 is cut sends an electricalsignal to the control system which initiates activation of the rapidtransport drive means 206. Specifically, movement of a magnet (notshown) on the cutter blade 145 activates a sensor (not shown) whichtells the electrical system to activate the rapid transport motor 206.The rapid transport motor and corresponding gear 206 is then activated,bringing the paper 22 through the stop rollers 152, 153 and rapidlythrough the post-accumulation system 149. When the paper 22 istransported from the accumulator 148 to the end of the post-accumulationsystem 149, an optical sensor 157 (FIG. 15) is activated and relays asignal to turn off the rapid transport motor 206.

In operation of the transport and accumulation drive system, the paperadvance motors 157, 58 push the paper 22 across the platens 23, 96 andinto the entrance of the transport system 132. If the paper 22 is notcut at the entrance 146 of the transport system, the paper advancemotors drive the preaccumulation conveyor belts 150, 151 via thepre-accumulation drive sprocket 161, the paper 22 thereby advancingthrough the preaccumulation area 147 at the same speed as it movedacross the platens 23, 96. The forward edge of the paper 22 is held bythe stop roller assembly 152, 153, and the accumulated paper 90 iscollected in the holding area 40 until the rapid transport motor 206 isactivated.

When the paper 22 is cut, the rapid transport motor 206 is activated.The rapid transport motor 206 causes more rapid movement of thepreaccumulation conveyor belts 150, 152 via the roller 165. In thismanner, the rapid transport drive motor 206 overrides the paper advancedrive motor, and the sprocket 161 becomes a driven sprocket rather thana drive sprocket because of its one-way clutch mechanism. Activation ofthe rapid transport motor 206 also causes rotation of the stop roller153, thereby advancing paper 22 from the accumulation area 40 and intothe post-accumulation area 149. The rapid transport motor 206 drives thepost-accumulation conveyor belt 155 via a gear 206 proximate the rapidtransport motor. There are a series of driven rollers which guide theconveyor means 155 during rapid transport, including a roller 164 havinga one-way clutch mechanism. At the end of the post-accumulation area149, the paper 22 makes a turnaround curve into the processor entrance29, at which point the paper 22 is driven at a slower speed by theprocessor drive motor 167.

Proximate the end of the post accumulation area 149 is a sensor 157which detects the presence of paper 22 at that point. When the paper 22reaches the sensor 157, a signal is relayed to turn the rapid transportmotor 206 off. When the rapid transport motor 206 is off, the paper 22in the post-accumulation area 149 continues its movement by being drivenby the processor motor 167 via the roller 164. When this occurs, thegear 206 proximate the rapid transport motor, which has a one-way clutchmechanism, is overridden by the processor drive means. The rapidtransport motor 206 causes advancement of the paper 22 through thepost-accumulation area in only about ten seconds, whereas the processordrive means causes the paper advancement to take a few minutes. Thus,the rapid transport system reduces the total printing and processingtime which is advantageous for the photofinisher. The accumulator of thepresent invention compensates for the difference between the printer andprocessor speeds. The accumulation system 148 prevents excess paper 22from being directed into the processor, while maintaining an efficienttransfer of paper from the printer 11 to the processor 12.

The processor 12 is a roller transport processor in which the exposedpaper 22 enters at point 29 and exits at point 32. There are a series oftanks 30 for the various chemicals, and the paper is transported betweenthe tanks 30 by means of a plurality of rollers 34.

A transverse line of sensors (not shown) at the end of the transportsystem 149 and across the bottom plate of the transport chassis 138determines the width of the paper 22 and sends an electrical signalwhich controls the replenishment of the processor chemical solutions. Inthe processor 12, the exposed paper 22 is passed through appropriatetempered chemistry such as a developer (tank 1); a bleach fix (tank 2);and a stabilizer (tanks 3 and 4). The paper 22 is then dried and removedfrom the tray 90 at the end of the processor 12. Once the tanks 30 havebeen filled with these baths, and the chemicals have been brought to theright temperature, the processor 12 is ready for operation. A variableamount of time is required between the time the exposed print is fedinto the processor and the time in which a dry print exits theprocessor, depending upon the particular process utilized.

In the preferred embodiment, the printer 11 can be elevated above theprocessor 12, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In the preferred embodiment,the printer 11 is elevated above the processor 12 approximately eighteeninches. This is accomplished by support means or arms 103 interconnectedto the bottom of the printer body 11 and the top of the processor body12. At the upper and lower ends of the arms 103 are pivotableconnections 104 which allow the arms 103 to move between a downward,horizontal position and a upward, vertical position. Movement of thesupports or arms 103 can be controlled by either a manual crank or amotorized mechanism (not shown). The crank or motor is interconnected tothe support arms 103 by a series of chains and gears which move thesupports 103.

In the preferred embodiment, the framework or housing 195 for theprinter-processor 10 has a "unibody" construction with no fastenersbeing visible from the exterior. As illustrated in FIG. 19, theconnection between adjacent framework panels 195 is accomplished byinterconnecting inwardly projecting flanges 211, 212. The flanges 211,212 abut against each other and a suitable fastener 213, such as a bolt,is inserted through both flanges 211, 212. Preferably, the housing 195is made of a suitable material such as aluminum of approximately 1/8inch in thickness. The bolts 213 are spaced at suitable intervals, suchas approximately every six inches. This type of frameworkinterconnection is high in strength and allows the printer-processor tohave an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

2. Description of Platens 23, 96

As illustrated by FIGS. 9, 13, 16, 20a and 20b, the paper 22 issupported and held against the platens 23, 96 by means of a vacuumsystem. Each platen 23, 96 is interconnected to a vacuum hose 170. Airis withdrawn from the platens 23, 96 through the hoses 170 by means of avacuum motor 171. The vacuum hose inlet is in fluid communication with aplenum or manifold 172 on each platen 23, 96. In the preferredembodiment, each platen 23, 96 has a series of longitudinal, parallelgrooves 174 or channels, the grooves terminating in a series ofapertures 173 in the plenum 172. The vacuum is applied to the printingpaper 22 via the grooves 174. The grooves 174 on the platens 23, 96 arespaced approximately one and one-half (11/2) to two (2) inches apart.The grooves 174 preferably taper closer to the surface of the platens23, 96 toward the bottom/side edge 23a of the platens 23, 96. In thismanner, the printing material 22 is held flat against the appropriateplaten 23, 96 during the exposure to provide edge-to-edge printsharpness. When the exposure is complete, the paper advance drive meanspushes the exposed printing material 22 downwardly into the transportsystem 132 so as to present additional printing material 22 on theplaten which is ready for exposure.

Referring next to FIGS. 20a and 20b, the taper of the grooves 174 isillustrated, as well as the grooves 174 extension through thebottom/side 23a edge of platen 23. Arrows in FIGS. 20a and 20billustrate the fluid flow. The extension of the groove 174, or channel,through the side edge 23a of platen 23, provides for a more uniformvacuum as the leading edge of the light sensitive material 22, traversesdown the longitudinal length of the platen 23.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, without a source of fluidas the paper progresses down the platen 23, the vacuum increases as thepaper covers more of the platen surface due to the inlet apertures beingcovered. The vacuum eventually reaches a maximum value based upon thevacuum means. Therefore, the light sensitive material 22 is drawn moreforcefully against the platen 23 making it difficult to advance thepaper 22 and increasing the likelihood that the paper 22 will be damagedby the additional force required to move it. However, by providing acertain inlet for fluid or air, the vacuum is never allowed to exceed acertain value, thereby ensuring ease of the paper 22 transport down theface of the platen 23.

Still referring to FIGS. 20a and 20b, it can be seen that the first end174a of grooves 174 is in fluid communication through manifold 172 tothe vacuum source through fluid communication means 170. Second end 174bof grooves 174 extends through the side edge 23a. Those skilled in theart will recognize that while in the preferred embodiment, the fluidsource is the atmosphere, the fluid source might also be storedcompressed gas or filtered air among others. The key designconsiderations being that the vacuum is strong enough to hold the paper22 flat against the platen 23 during exposure, but not so strong as torequire excessive force to move the paper 22. Further, those skilled inthe art will recognize that rather than the grooves 174 opening throughthe side edge 23a, the grooves 174 might open through the back of theplaten or a second manifold (not shown) or some other supply might beconnected at second end 174b. Additionally, the vacuum means (i.e., the"sink") might be at the middle of the groove 174 and the supply at theends. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the grooves 174might be arranged in other shapes, such as serpentine.

Preferably, the groove 174 tapers toward the second end 174b in order toprovide the proper opening for the required vacuum. Preferably, thegroove depth at 174a is 1/8 inch while the opening through side edge 23ais 1/16 inch.

The ratio of the transverse width of platen 23 of surface area to groove174 is preferably arranged and configured such that the paper is notdrawn into the grooves forming "hills and valleys" in the paper, but isinstead arranged and configured such that the paper lies flat againstthe platen surface to ensure crisp exposures.

3. Operation of Printer Processor 10

The operation of the printer-processor 10 will now be described. Whenthe operator switches the electrical power on, the following componentsare activated: the electronic control system; the light source 18 in thelamphouse 17; the vacuum motor for the platens; the lamphouse exhaustblower; the pressure blower 107 for the printer cabinet; and theprocessor functions, i.e., the processor paper transport, recirculationpumps and chemistry temperature system. The operator inputs certaininformation into the printer control system via the control panel 37.Specifically, the operator inputs the negative size being utilized andselects the appropriate carousel number. The color filters 60 areadjusted, and the exposure time is set. The operator inputs informationto the processor control system via the controls 58 in order to set thechemistry temperature, drier temperature and replenishment time for theprocessor.

The negative 19 is loaded in the negative carrier 20, and the printingpaper 22 is loaded in an appropriate cassette (not shown) which protectsthe paper from light. If necessary, the negative carrier 20 is rotatedso as to place the negative 19 in the proper orientation. The paper 22is threaded through the drive roller arrangement 93 and is positionedagainst one of the platens 23, 96.

The operator also inputs whether a single print, multiple prints, or apackage of different sizes is desired. This information tells theprinter-processor's control system the number of exposures needed; theappropriate position of the lens carousel 63; and the proper position ofthe opening 33. When the image size is selected, the appropriate platen23, 96 is placed in position and the machine 10 preferably outputs asignal to remind the operator whether the negative carrier 20 should berotated. The lamphouse or light box 17 is moved into position proximatethe negative 19. The exposure sequence then takes place. The baffleblades are automatically positioned around the aperture 33 to make asplit if needed. The bottom variable baffle blade is positioned belowthe lower image line, and the upper variable baffle blade is positionedabove the upper image line. The lamphouse shutter 59 is opened, therebyallowing the light from the light source 18 to be directed through themirror box 101 and through the negative 19. The light 64 is directedthrough the lens system 21 and through the opening 33 and onto the paper22. The paper 22 is exposed to the image for the predetermined amount oftime, after which the lamphouse shutter 59 is closed, and the blades ofthe opening 33 are returned to their closed or home position.

The appropriate stepper motor 157, 58, depending on which width paperwas utilized, then advances the paper 22 the distance needed for thenext print. If the entire width of the paper has not yet been utilized,the exposure sequence may be repeated before the paper is advanced.After advancing to the cut point, the paper 22 can be cut by theoperator if desired. Alternatively, additional adjacent prints may beexposed to make the most efficient use of the paper 22.

The paper 22 then automatically enters the preaccumulation conveyorsystem 148. If appropriate, the paper 22 can enter directly into therapid transport system 149 and into the processor entrance 29.Alternatively, if the processor 12 or lower paper transport area arefull, the forward end of the paper will be held by the stop rollerassembly 53, thus causing paper accumulation in the holding chamber 40.Once the paper 22 is cut, the paper 22 is then advanced to the entrance29 of the processor 12 by the rapid transport system 149. After thepaper 22 goes through the processing chemicals and drying sequencecontained within the processor 12, a finished photograph exits theprocessor 12 and into the basket 217.

It is to be understood that while a certain embodiment of the presentinvention have been illustrated and described, the invention is not tobe limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein describedand shown. Changes can be made in detail, especially in matters ofshape, size and arrangement of parts, within the principles of thepresent invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad generalmeaning of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A platen for print material in a photographicprinter and the like, the printer having vacuum means for creating avacuum, comprising:(a) a manifold, in fluid communication with thevacuum means; and (b) a printing member having a surface generallydefining a mean plane and having first and second side edges, saidsurface having a plurality of grooves defined therein, said grooveshaving a first end and a second end, said grooves being in fluidcommunication with said manifold at said first end, said manifoldarranged and configured proximate said first side edge and said groovesextending approximately from said manifold across said printing surface,wherein the second end of said grooves extend through said second sideedge wherein the second end of said grooves are in fluid communicationwith a fluid source, whereby when the print material advances along saidsurface covering said grooves the vacuum does not increase above acertain level due to the fluid source.
 2. The platen as recited in claim1, wherein said fluid source is the atmosphere.
 3. The platen as recitedin claim 1, wherein said grooves are in fluid communication with saidmanifold at said first end.
 4. The platen as recited in claim 1, whereineach of said grooves extend through the same side edge of the platen. 5.The platen as recited in claim 1, wherein the grooves are generallyarranged parallel to one another.
 6. A platen for print material in aphotographic printer and the like, the printer having vacuum means forcreating a vacuum, comprising:(a) a manifold, in fluid communicationwith the vacuum means; and (b) a printing member having a surfacegenerally defining a mean plane and at least one side edge, said surfacehaving a series of grooves defined therein, said grooves having a firstend and a second end, said grooves being in fluid communication withsaid manifold, and the second end of said grooves extending through saidside edge wherein the second end of said grooves are in fluidcommunication with a fluid source, whereby when the print materialadvances along said surface covering said grooves the vacuum does notincrease above a certain level due to the fluid source, wherein saidgrooves taper in depth as said grooves approach said side edge, whereinthe amount of the taper is arranged and configured so as to determinethe final vacuum so as to allow the print material to move along saidplaten and to hold the paper flat against said mean plane.
 7. The platenas recited in claim 6, wherein said grooves taper at said second end toapproximately one-half of the mean depth of said grooves.
 8. Anapparatus for holding light sensitive web material during exposure, saidapparatus comprising:(a) a surface generally forming a mean plane andhaving a first and second side edge, said mean plane having loweredchannels formed therein so as to form an alternating series of surfaceand channel areas, said channels beginning proximate said first sideedge and extending through said second side edge so as to be open to theatmosphere, said surface being arranged and configured to allow thelight sensitive web material to directly cover said channel areas, (b)vacuum means, in fluid communication with said channels proximate saidfirst side edge, for creating a vacuum to hold the light sensitive webmaterial flat against the platen during exposure, wherein the vacuum ismaintained below a predetermined value without adjusting said vacuummeans due to the channels always having a portion exposed to theatmosphere.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the ratio oftransverse surface area of said surface and channels is arranged andconfigured in accordance with the highest vacuum so as to hold the lightsensitive web material flat.
 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 8,wherein said channels are straight.
 11. The apparatus as recited inclaim 8, wherein each of said channels extends through said second sideedge.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the channels arearranged generally parallel to one another.